Deferred dream: Fewer teens getting their first car

Work hard all summer, save up and buy your first car. Generations of teens have followed that formula to gain the freedom that comes from getting behind the wheel. But in this recession-troubled year, the ranks of new teen motorists appears to be shrinking dramatically.

Five years ago, 7.5 million used cars were sold for use by teenagers. This year, the market has shrunk to 4.2 million, according to CNW Research. It's not just because fewer used cars are being sold overall: In 2005, 17.4% of used cars were destined for teens. Now it's 10.9%.

"Reflecting the jobs market, there has been a serious decline in the number of teens who make a full payment for their vehicle to parents -- down from 21% to 16% while parents are paying the full price in 44% of the cases vs. 43.5%," CNW states. More than 27% of teens haven't worked part or full time in the last 12 months, more than double the teen unemployment figure of 2005.

Part of the problem might be that teens aren't as interested in driving. The Colorado Springs Gazette reports that from 2004 to 2008, the number of licenses issued to minors fell by 9% in Colorado, from 65,243 to 58,994 even as the number of 15 to 19 year olds by U.S. Census Bureau estimates in the state grew by about 14%.

One of the newly minted drivers there is Sarah Marron, pictured at right, who told the Gazette she didn't mind waiting until she turned 18 to get her license:

Among other things, she avoided the restrictions put on younger drivers.

There is one bright spot for the U.S. automakers: CNW says those teens who do end up in used cars are getting ones produced by the Big 3 Detroit makers in larger numbers. Reason: They're cheaper than most Asian or European models.

Though they might crave a used Ford Mustang or BMW 3 Series, more teens are being forced by drive whatever they are given, or can afford, rather than their dream set of wheels, CNW adds. Oh, the horror.

To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com.

About Chris Woodyard

Chris Woodyard is an auto writer for USA TODAY who covers all aspects of motoring. He revels in the exhaust note of a Maserati and the sharp creases of a Cadillac CTS. Chris strives to live a Porsche life on a Scion budget. More about Chris